Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that the City is working on an effort that would allow neighborhood groups to turn residential street intersections into works of art. He proposed the "Intersection Connection" project as a way to way to "foster an even greater sense of connection and sense of place in Lincoln."

Neighborhoods would generate the design ideas, plan the project, do the painting and supply the materials. The City would review the designs, but only to make sure they are appropriate for all. Eventually, funding for paint and materials could come from civic groups or grants.

"I believe some of our greatest strengths are our community spirit, the connections we have developed, the events and places that bring us together for social interaction," Beutler said. ".

The Intersection Connection program is an example of how we can encourage civic action and pride to make our community an even better place to live without spending City tax dollars." .

Beutler reminded residents that the idea is not altogether new for Lincoln. In 1976, a star was built into the pavement at the intersection of 13th and "O" to promote Lincoln as the "Star City."

The idea for Intersection Connection came from a series of "new ideas" presentations the Mayor's asked department directors to prepare. Similar projects in other cities was part of the presentation from the City Urban Development.

Attending the announcement in support of the project were Tracy Corr, President of the Mayor's Neighborhood Roundtable and of the 40th and "A" Neighborhood Association; Deb Weber, Executive Director of the Lincoln Arts Council; and City Council member Jonathan Cook. The Mayor said details of the project have not yet been worked out, but he wants the community to learn about the project and offer their feedback. "We need that discussion and input in order to do this in a way that works for Lincoln," Beutler said.